By Muhammad Abubakar 

China has taken a significant step in preparing its next generation for the digital future by introducing artificial intelligence (AI) education across primary and secondary schools. 

The Ministry of Education has announced that AI will now be included in the national curriculum, with lessons ranging from basic coding and machine learning concepts to discussions on the ethical implications of technology.

Officials say the program aims to build students’ digital literacy and give them early exposure to skills critical in the 21st-century economy. 

Pilot projects in cities such as Shanghai and Shenzhen have already shown strong interest, with students using AI-powered tools in mathematics, language learning, and creative projects.

Educators emphasise that the initiative is not only about technical training but also about fostering innovation, problem-solving, and responsible use of emerging technologies. “We want our children to understand AI as both a tool and a responsibility,” said an education ministry spokesperson.

The move reflects China’s broader ambition to lead in AI development globally, while also addressing concerns that young people must be equipped to navigate a rapidly changing technological landscape.

By Uzair Adam 

Renowned Hausa political singer, Dauda Kahutu Rarara, has received an honorary doctorate degree from the European-American University, Commonwealth of Dominican Republic of Panama.

The award was conferred on him during the university’s 23rd convocation ceremony held at the NICON Luxury Hotel in Abuja on Saturday. 

Rarara was honoured with the Doctor of Science in Humanitarian Service, Music and Entertainment.

Speaking at the event, Professor Idris Aliyu of the Governing Council, who represented the Vice Chancellor, described the honour as a recognition of Rarara’s commitment to both music and community service.

In his remarks, the institution’s Northern Nigeria representative, Dr Musari Audu Isyaku, said Rarara and three others—Alhaji Ahmed Saleh Jnr., Prof. Mustapha Abdullahi Bujawa, and Prof. Tarela Boroh—were selected for their outstanding contributions to humanity.

“This award is a testament to their dedication to excellence and development of the community,” Dr Isyaku stated.

Reacting to the honour, Rarara expressed joy over the recognition, noting that it would inspire him to expand his humanitarian services in Katsina and other parts of Nigeria. 

He also urged young people to be patient and dedicated, saying purposeful living brings wisdom and reward.

Governor of Katsina State, Dr Umaru Dikko Radda, who attended the event, described Rarara as “a phenomenon and unifier” who has delivered humanitarian projects across Nigeria while also promoting unity through music.

Other dignitaries present included the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda; Minister of Transportation, Senator Sa’idu Ahmad Alkali; and members of the House of Representatives, Abubakar Kabir Bichi, Nasiru Sani Danlami, and Abdulmumini Zannah Bungudu.

By Zayyad I. Muhammad

The insecurity challenges in Nigeria, particularly banditry, have defied simplistic solutions. While the kinetic approach, military and law enforcement operations, has achieved some notable successes, it has not produced the outcome of sustainable peace. Instead, it has often fueled a cycle of violence between state and non-state actors, while local communities continue to suffer. To break this cycle, there is a compelling need to complement kinetic measures with non-kinetic strategies such as dialogue, community engagement, education, intelligence-driven peacebuilding, and socio-economic empowerment.

The kinetic approach is necessary but insufficient. It weakens the operational strength of criminal groups but fails to address the root causes of insecurity, such as poverty, unemployment, social injustice, and a lack of community trust in the government. In some cases, heavy-handed operations or operational errors can create resentment among local populations, inadvertently attracting recruits to criminal networks.

The non-kinetic measures are designed to fill the gaps left by the actions of military and security forces, as well as to reduce unnecessary pressures on security forces. These include: building trust through dialogue with traditional rulers, religious leaders, and local influencers, including the actors themselves; creating opportunities for youth through education, vocational training, and employment; rehabilitation and reintegration, including providing pathways for repentant bandits or militants to rejoin society; intelligence gathering and strengthening human intelligence networks within communities to prevent attacks before they occur.

In combating insecurity, multi-stakeholder engagement is imperative, as national security cannot be achieved solely by the federal government. A sustainable strategy requires the active participation of state governments in tailoring responses to local realities. Support from local governments in intelligence gathering and community mobilisation is also essential. 

Engagement of traditional and religious institutions as custodians of local values and mediators in conflict resolution, as well as collaboration with civil society and development partners to address humanitarian and socio-economic needs, is equally important. The government should also introduce local language media programs through social media and other media, it will reach and enlighten the bandits and other insurgents

The current approach of adopting a hybrid security framework that blends military action with non-kinetic approaches to create both deterrence and reconciliation is commendable. This dialogue approach should be institutionalised through community dialogue platforms. Furthermore, establishing regular consultation forums where local leaders and security agencies exchange intelligence and build trust is also important. 

Investment in youth empowerment and the development of targeted programs for skills acquisition, entrepreneurship, and agricultural employment should be integrated into the non-kinetic approach to undercut the appeal of criminal networks. 

Another vital element is strengthening data-driven decision-making by basing security strategies on rigorous research, mapping conflict-prone areas, and conducting historical analyses of community dynamics. Fighting insecurity is a continuous process; any slack will have a negative impact. Therefore, creating measurable benchmarks and developing monitoring frameworks to evaluate the success of both kinetic and non-kinetic interventions over time will be beneficial.

No government can afford to sustain a security approach that fails to deliver positive outcomes. A purely kinetic strategy risks perpetuating violence, while a strictly non-kinetic approach may embolden criminal groups. The way forward lies in a carefully balanced model that applies force where necessary, while simultaneously addressing the root causes of insecurity through dialogue, trust-building, and socio-economic development. Only by harmonising both approaches can Nigeria break the cycle of violence and build a foundation for sustainable peace and security.

Zayyad I. Muhammad writes from Abuja via zaymohd@yahoo.com.

By Anas Abbas

The Kebbi State Police Command has arrested four suspected vandals in connection with the destruction of a transformer at Government Girls Secondary School, Bunza, Bunza Local Government Area.

The suspects,Sanusi Muhammad and Ibrahim Lawal from Sokoto State, as well as Tasi’u Abubakar and Tasi’u Abdullahi from Zamfara State,were caught following a joint operation by the Divisional Police Officer in Bunza and local vigilante groups.

Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Nafiu Abubakar, said in a statement on Saturday that the incident occurred at about 3 a.m. on September 10.

The gang allegedly tied up the school’s watchman before dismantling the transformer with chainsaws and other tools.

Recovered from the scene were a black Toyota Corolla with registration number KNT-359-SN, believed to have been used for the operation, as well as the vandalised armoured cables and equipment employed in the act.

“While two suspects were arrested at the scene, further investigations by the State CID in Birnin Kebbi led to the capture of the fleeing gang members,” the police spokesman said.

He confirmed that all suspects remain in custody and will soon be charged to court.Commissioner of Police, Bello M. Sani, lauded the prompt response of the Bunza DPO and vigilantes, describing the arrest as proof of the value of police-community cooperation.

He assured residents of the state that the Command remains committed to rooting out criminals and ensuring public safety, while urging citizens to remain vigilant and share credible intelligence with security agencies.

Meanwhile, the Command also announced progress in another high-profile case.

On September 10, six suspects were arrested over the theft of gold ornaments worth over ₦109.5 million in Ka’oje, Bagudo Local Government Area.

Among those apprehended was a serving Nigerian Correctional Service officer, Ibrahim Abubakar, who confessed to taking part in the heist.

The valuables, belonging to the family of Hajiya Amina Hassan Bello, included five necklaces, nine bangles, and four rings weighing 782.7 grams.

According to investigators, the suspects conspired to sell the stolen gold and channel the proceeds into land purchases.

The police said efforts are ongoing to track down additional suspects and recover more of the stolen property.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, received the newly appointed Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO) of the Nigeria Police Force, Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Benjamin Hundeyin, at its headquarters in Abuja.

The engagement highlighted the Customs Service’s resolve to deepen inter-agency cooperation in strategic communications, public enlightenment, and institutional trust-building.

The National Public Relations Officer of the NCS, Assistant Comptroller of Customs, Abdullahi Maiwada, welcomed the Force PRO and praised his humility and dedication.

He pledged the Service’s support while offering insights drawn from his own professional experience on how to effectively manage public relations in a security institution.

“Public relations is a learning curve. You will face stakeholders with different expectations, but teamwork remains the driving force for success. Build a committed team, harness the energy of young officers, and learn from your predecessors. These are the keys to leaving a lasting legacy as a spokesperson,” AC Maiwada advised.

He also emphasized that the role demands professionalism and resilience, especially during moments of crisis.

“Ours is a transient responsibility, but what truly matters is the legacy we leave behind,” he added.

In his remarks, CSP Hundeyin expressed appreciation for the reception, describing his visit as a symbolic act of partnership.

He noted that security communication cannot thrive in isolation and called for stronger collaboration with the NCS to advance shared national objectives.

The visit ended with a guided tour of the Public Relations Sub-unit and the Nigeria Customs Broadcasting Network (NCBN), where the Force PRO was shown the Service’s growing communication facilities.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

Kano State Governor, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf, has approved the recruitment of 4,315 former Better Education Service Delivery for All (BESDA) volunteer teachers into the state’s permanent and pensionable teaching service.

The governor stated that the move aligns with his administration’s consistent commitment to revitalising and reforming the education sector. 

The governor recalled that the state had earlier recruited 5,500 teachers in 2023, 5,632 in 2024, and 4,000 in May 2025, all of whom were absorbed from the BESDA voluntary teaching scheme.

To further strengthen the system, Yusuf also announced the recruitment of an additional 2,616 teachers. He flagged off a ₦200 million vehicle loan scheme and approved the distribution of 444 motorcycles and 300 computers to enhance school monitoring and evaluation.

In addition, the governor directed the reopening of the Shehu Minjibir Boarding Primary School with 180 pupils and the upgrade of another school in Ungogo Local Government Area into a boarding facility. He further approved the engagement of 17,000 watchmen across schools in the state.

By Anas Abbas 

Abuja may soon face a sanitation crisis as contractors responsible for cleaning the city have threatened to suspend operations from September 25 over the non-payment of nine months’ wages.

The Association of FCT Solid Waste and Cleaning Contractors (AFSOWAC), which oversees sanitation services across 44 lots in the capital, raised the alarm in a letter to the Coordinator of the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council.

“Despite our loyalty and sustained service delivery, we have not received payments since January 2025,” the group said. “We have reached a point where passion and commitment alone cannot sustain this essential service. Without payment, we cannot continue.”

According to the association, its members clear more than 1,000 tonnes of refuse daily using over 100 refuse trucks and 60 tippers, while engaging more than 3,000 workers. Many of these workers, it said, depend solely on the job for their livelihoods.

AFSOWAC disclosed that contractors had kept operations afloat by borrowing heavily from banks and informal lenders, but warned that such means had been exhausted. It added that the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB), which supervises their contracts, had continued issuing daily directives without addressing the financial challenges.

The contractors further lamented the deteriorating state of the Gosa dumpsite, describing it as “deplorable” and urging urgent intervention to improve access roads and equipment.

They also called on the FCT Administration to expedite the procurement process initiated in October 2024 and review payment rates to reflect current economic realities, such as the removal of subsidies and the devaluation of the naira.

The association warned that a strike would trigger a rapid build-up of waste in Abuja, a city renowned for its relative cleanliness, and could expose residents to serious public health risks.

“We can no longer guarantee uninterrupted services in the Federal Capital City without urgent payment,” AFSOWAC cautioned.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is scheduled to travel to Kaduna State on Friday, September 19, for a one-day visit that includes a high-profile wedding and a private condolence call.

According to a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President’s itinerary is centered on two key events.

The primary reason for the visit is the President’s attendance at the wedding ceremony of Nasirudeen Yari, the son of former Governor of Zamfara State and current Senator for Zamfara West, Abdul’aziz Yari.

Nasirudeen will be wed to Safiyya Shehu Idris.Following the wedding festivities, President Tinubu will pay a courtesy visit to Aisha Buhari, the widow of former President Muhammadu Buhari, at the family’s residence in Kaduna.

The visit is seen as a gesture of respect and condolence following the passing of the former leader.

The President is expected to return to the nation’s capital, Abuja, on the same day after concluding his engagements.

By Muhammad Abubakar

Former Manchester United legend Eric Cantona has called on football’s governing bodies, UEFA and FIFA, to impose an immediate ban on Israel over its ongoing military actions in Gaza. Cantona, known for his outspoken views, said football cannot remain silent while civilians continue to suffer.

His statement comes amid growing international pressure on Israel, with Spain reportedly considering a boycott of the upcoming World Cup should the situation persist. 

Spanish officials have hinted that participation in global tournaments could be reconsidered if FIFA does not take more decisive action.

The calls echo previous instances where sporting sanctions were used as leverage against states accused of human rights violations, most notably the bans imposed on apartheid-era South Africa and, more recently, Russia following its invasion of Ukraine.

Neither UEFA nor FIFA has officially responded to Cantona’s demand or Spain’s potential boycott threat, but the developments add further weight to the debate over the role of football in addressing global conflicts.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Israel’s Culture Minister, Miki Zohar, has vowed to halt government support for the country’s national film awards after a Palestinian-themed movie, The Sea, claimed the top honor at the Ophir Awards.

The film tells the story of Khaled, a 12-year-old boy from the occupied West Bank who dreams of reaching Tel Aviv to see the Mediterranean Sea. It won Best Film at the Ophir Awards, Israel’s equivalent of the Oscars.

By winning, The Sea will now represent Israel in the Best International Feature Film category at next year’s Academy Awards.

In a post on X, Zohar lashed out at the outcome. “There is no greater slap in the face of Israeli citizens than the embarrassing and detached annual Ophir Awards ceremony.

Under my watch, Israeli citizens will not pay from their pockets for a ceremony that spits in the faces of our heroic soldiers.”

Reports in Israeli media suggest it is unclear whether the minister has the authority to pull state funding from the awards.The film also swept other top categories.

Thirteen-year-old Muhammad Gazawi, who plays Khaled, became the youngest ever to win Best Actor in the history of the Ophir Awards.

His character is stopped at an Israel Defense Forces checkpoint during a school trip and barred from entering Tel Aviv.

He later sneaks into Israel to try to reach the sea, while his father, an undocumented worker, searches frantically for him.

Producer Baher Agbariya, while accepting the award, said the movie stood for “every child’s right to live in peace, a basic right we will not give up on.”

Zohar, however, repeated his criticism, labeling the event “embarrassing and detached.”

Defending the jury’s decision, Assaf Amir, chair of the Israeli Academy of Film and Television, argued that the selection carried a message of hope.

“As the never-ending war in Gaza takes a terrible toll in death and destruction, the ability to see the ‘other’… gives small hope. In the face of the Israeli government’s attacks on Israeli cinema and culture, and the calls from parts of the international film community to boycott us, the selection of The Sea is a powerful and resounding response.”

The controversy erupted against the backdrop of mounting global condemnation of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza.

According to the Hamas-run health ministry, more than 65,000 Palestinians, nearly half of them women and children, have been killed since October 2023.

The war began after Hamas-led fighters attacked southern Israel on October 7, 2023, killing about 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages.

This week, a United Nations commission of inquiry accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza. Israel’s foreign ministry dismissed the findings as “distorted and false.”

The film industry has also been caught up in the political storm. Earlier this year, thousands of Hollywood figures signed a pledge refusing to work with Israeli film institutions they accused of being “implicated in genocide.”